Meaning
Investigation of the tax liabilities and historical compliance of a target company operating in multiple countries occurs during the pre acquisition phase. This review identifies risks such as permanent establishment issues or transfer pricing discrepancies. Through a cross border tax diligence check, the acquiring firm determines if the target has properly utilized double tax treaties.
Risk Assessment
Auditors look for unpaid VAT or withholding tax obligations that the buyer might inherit. During cross border tax diligence, the financial team examines the filings and correspondence with foreign tax authorities to quantify potential exposure. The results often lead to adjustments in the purchase price or the inclusion of specific indemnities.
These findings are summarized in a disclosure schedule.
Structural Review
The process evaluates the efficiency of the current holding company setup and the flow of dividends. A thorough cross border tax diligence check ensures that the proposed transaction will not trigger immediate exit taxes. It also maps out the future tax burden of the integrated business.
Jurisdictional Scope
Analysts focus on the specific rules of every territory where the company has a physical presence or sales. Because every country has unique filing deadlines, cross border tax diligence requires a local understanding of each market.